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Meet Maia Popovic, child and youth counsellor with CHEO’s Eating Disorders Day program
When Maia was 17 years old, her best friend confided in her that she had an eating disorder. Confused and saddened that her friend, who portrayed such beauty and confidence, could be struggling so much, Maia turned to Google to try and find her friend some help. Her search led her to the CHEO website which provided resources on how to support your loved ones through eating disorders.
Maia remembers thinking, “If CHEO can help me and my friend with online resources, I can only imagine how much they could help in person.” And that thought, coupled with her friend’s meaningful confession, inspired Maia’s career and her journey with CHEO.
Over the years, Maia recognized that her best friend’s experiences were not unique – many children and youth were facing similar struggles. Wanting to make an impactful difference Maia completed her child and youth counsellor (CYC) program at Algonquin College; and in 2021, did her placement at CHEO in its virtual day program for eating disorders.
In 2022, Maia officially joined CHEO in its inpatient eating disorders unit. Over the last two years, Maia has helped children and youth start and progress in their recovery. From one-on-one support, to group-based meals, to exposure therapy and cooking classes, each treatment plan is customized and helps children and youth tap into the support they need most.
“Working at CHEO means I can be that person kids and youth can lean on, just like I was for my friend,” says Maia. “I can be that non-judgmental voice.” And while the work that Maia and her team do isn’t easy, she knows they all have the same shared purpose.
They pour their hearts and soul into helping these kids live their best lives. They remind them that they’re still kids, that they can have fun while in treatment and that they have the strength to do hard things. Maia and her team are committed to making the best of difficult situations and infusing fun through pet therapy, fall outings, and more.
Today, Maia works in CHEO’s day program for eating disorders and thinks fondly of her friend who inspired her journey with CHEO. Her friend is now fully recovered, has a great relationship with food and openly talks about her journey.
CHEO is filled with caring and dedicated people like Maia. Join us.